There are no limits when it comes to creating, exploring and innovating with flavors and taste. That is exactly what Heinz, the famous ketchup brand, has done together with Soothie King. Yes, you read that right, ketchup and smoothie. Both brands have teamed up to create the tomato smoothie with ketchup for lovers of tomatoes and smoothies. According to the brand, the ingredients of the new creation include acai sorbet, strawberries, raspberries, and apple juice, with the unmistakable flavor of HEINZ Simply Ketchup. It is undoubtedly a risky bet on the part of the brands.
It sparked a viral debate where consumers questioned, ‘If tomatoes are fruit, is ketchup a smoothie?’. It was the perfect excuse for both companies to join forces and create this product, launching it as a limited edition. The Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie can be found in supermarkets in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Miami, New York, and in northern New Jersey.
H.J. Heinz
Founded in 1869 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Heinz company came to light thanks to Henry John Heinz. It is a globally recognized food brand, known for its ketchup. Its Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce and many other food products are also famous. It managed to grow and position itself in the market, operating on 6 continents and selling its products in over 200 countries. In 2015, it bet on expansion by merging with Kraft Foods, resulting in The Kraft Heinz Company, considered one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world. Another aspect that characterizes the company is its commitment to soil care and maintenance, which it demonstrates by collaborating with the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum.
Smoothie King
Founded by Steve and Cindy Kuhnau in 1973, Smoothie King was sold to a South Korean franchise in 2012. It is a U.S.-based chain of stores specializing in smoothies made with whole, unmodified ingredients, promoting a healthy lifestyle. It became the first smoothie franchise in the United States in 1989, and has over 1,350 stores in the United States and beyond. In addition to smoothies, its catalog includes sports drinks, vitamins, supplements, and energy bars.
Smoothie and ketchup fusion
Heinz’s latest collaboration has left many speechless. The exploration of flavors and culinary innovation knows no bounds, but this new launch may be reserved for certain palates. A question that went viral on the internet was Heinz’s inspiration, “If tomatoes are fruit, is ketchup a smoothie?” As could be expected, both brands opted to launch a special edition product and take a chance with such a risky product.
Kraft Heinz executive Angie Madigan stated, “The idea of a ketchup smoothie is provocative, and our top priority was landing a delicious tasting fruit smoothie with distinct yet well-balanced ketchup notes.” To these statements, they added, “The experts at Smoothie King helped make this dream a reality, and we’re absolutely thrilled with the final smoothie we created together. And like it does for any food – from burgers to fries to eggs – the slightly sweet and tangy taste of Heinz Ketchup elevates this traditional fruit smoothie to new heights”.
Unmistakable taste of HEINZ Simply Ketchup
The Heinz brand explains that it is the ideal time to launch this product, “launches during tomato harvest season, when Heinz tomatoes are perfectly ripe and ready for enjoyment, and during the dog days of summer heat, when refreshing smoothies are a must to cool off.” The ingredients that make up this new product include, according to statements, “HEINZ Tomato Ketchup Smoothie blends sweet Acai sorbet, crisp apple juice, juicy strawberries, and tart raspberries with the unmistakable taste of HEINZ Simply Ketchup”.
The new smoothie has been available since Wednesday, August 6, for a price of $5.70. If you’re curious and have a culinary institute background, you can find it in the aisles of stores in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Miami, New York, and New Jersey.